Yesterday Gov. Rick Snyder signed SB50, HB4284 and HB4299. All three of these bills benefit the ORV sport in the state of Michigan.

SB50 changes the event permit process and removes the current barrier where a permit was needed when a group of ORV users over a specific amount had to request a permit. There is now no need to do this no matter the size of the ORV group. More information can be found here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billconcurred/Senate/htm/2013-SCB-0050.htm

HB4284 will now allow the state to authorize short sections of highways (the shoulder of the road) to be used to help connect ORV trails & routes. This would be similar to the way that some counties today authorize the shoulder of some county roads. Note that this does not allow ORVís on any or all highways (non-interstate) just that they can now be authorized. More information can be found here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billconcurred/House/htm/2013-HCB-4284.htm

HB4299 expands the ability for a county to open the shoulder of county roads to all counties in Michigan. As you may recall a number of years ago it was passed that a number of counties in Michigan were authorized to make this decision, this now extends it to the entire state. This does NOT open all county roads, just gives counties the authority to decide which ones are open. Please check with your county to validate your route is open to ORV use. More information can be found here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/billconcurred/House/htm/2013-HCB-4299.htm

Jarhead

September 28th, 2013, 11:10 AM

This is GRAND News and has been a very long and frustrating endeavor.

But do not miss the real point; we can make a difference, each and every one of us by getting involved with our Clubs and Association to "Support Our Sport!"

sumpter1

October 9th, 2013, 08:55 PM

Thanks to all that assisted in getting these passed.

fishyOO7

October 10th, 2013, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the update and all that helped (whoever you are). :yourock: